by BBC News | Sep 10, 2012 | 1.1 Resources & Tips, 2.6 Freckles and Spots
‘Too few’ women using sun cream
The charity Macmillan Cancer Support is warning that not enough women are using sun cream.
It said a survey had shown that nearly one in four planned not to use sun tan lotion when going on holiday later this year.
The charity said it found some people’s attitudes to being sunburnt “very concerning”
The British Association of Dermatologists has also raised concerns that too many people are getting burnt.
The Macmillan poll of 1,500 women showed that 22% did not wear sun cream when on holiday in a hot country.
The charity said: “Of those who said they never wear sun tan lotion, when asked why, 24% say they don’t sun burn, 14% think sun tan lotion is too expensive and 12% believe it doesn’t work.”
Carol Goodman, a Macmillan nurse, said: “As people are preparing to go abroad for their annual holiday, it is very concerning that nearly a quarter of British women are putting themselves at risk of skin cancer by not wearing any sun tan lotion abroad.
“Over two and a half thousand people die of skin cancer every year and so it is a real issue.”
Figures from the British Association of Dermatologists showed 92% of people had been sun burnt at least once. One in three had been burnt more than ten times.
Stephen Jones, the president of the Association, said that everyone’s skin was different.
“Not everyone’s skin offers the same level of protection in the sun, which is why it’s really important to get to know your own risk level – for example, people with pale skin who burn easily or those with a close family history of skin cancer are at greater risk of sun damage and need to take extra steps to protect themselves.”
by BBC News | Oct 7, 2011 | 1.1 Resources & Tips
Tattoo remorse: 10 of your most loathed or loved
The Magazine’s recent piece on tattoo remorse prompted lots of you to email examples of those you loathe and those you love. Here are 10 of the best.
Some are regretted, even hated. Others are loved and cherished, said Lucy Townsend in the article. Both categories are represented here.
1. When I was in my early 20s I got the barcode from a condom packet tattooed on my arm. I don’t regret it, but I do still wonder exactly what made me do it. Bill Wignall, Leeds.
2. I have a tattoo on my left forearm, it’s a cross with the words mum and dad on it. I had it done when I was 17. Since then I have risen into middle/senior management where the sight of a tattoo is unthinkable. I have to cover it all the time wearing long-sleeved shirts. I am now approaching 50 and for the last 20, or so, years painfully regret the thing. Philip Hoden, Lincoln.
3. When I first went to get a tattoo I was living in Sheffield and went to a tattooist in Hillsborough. When I explained that I wasn’t sure what to have, he said: “If you are not sure then don’t have one.” A brilliant and honest piece of advice. Five years later, when I was sure, I went back to the same shop even though I had moved back to Essex. On my upper arm I now have the Essex County Cricket Club crest with “100% Essex Girl” written underneath it. I love it. Sally Stracey, Southend on Sea.
4. Una vita – vitate is tattooed on the inside of my left forearm. I just have to look at it on the bad days to remind me we only have “one life – live it”. Not only a good motto, but a beautiful artistic piece of calligraphy. Stylish but discreet. Andrew Shaw, Peterborough.
5. I remember a workmate giving another worker a “home” tattoo. He must be the only man in Scotland with the unique tattoo of SCOTTLAND (with two Ts) on his arm. Andrew, Hawick, Scotland.
6. I have two gingerbread men, one done up like a devil on my left and the other like an angel on my right. I still love them. Someone asked what I would do when they went out of fashion, my answer is I didn’t choose a faddy design. I went out of my way, as many people with tattoos do, to make my ink as unique as possible. Kat, Thornaby.
7. I have a tattoo which is made up of the sheet music to my favourite Boyzone song – Isn’t It A Wonder? – around my right ankle. People think I’m mad, but I point out that if I want to I can tell them it’s Bach or the Rolling Stones instead of the actual truth. If I was that bothered – and I’m not! In addition, I have “SPDG 76-09” underneath it to commemorate the life of Stephen Gately. Both of which are much less conspicuous than a friend of a friend who has portraits of all five lads from the group across her back. Angie, Nottingham.
8. My grandfather had an American flag on his forearm. When my dad asked him why he had it he responded: “To always remind him of the stupidity of youth.” Kate Kreke, Kingsbridge.
9. I have a few tattoos and only regret one, it is of a woman with one of her nipples showing. It really seemed like a good idea at the time. Mark Morris, Telford.
10. Just over two years ago, I went through what one might call a “rough patch” to put it mildly. I took a day off work and decided I’d use the day to get my first (and thus far only) tattoo. It was just what I needed – something personal, just for me, that no one could take away or ruin for me. I got a big, bright, colourful cupcake on my right hip. It didn’t fix all my problems, but it did cheer me up and still does to this day. Sophie, London.
